Featured artwork by CreativeSaathi associate Morpheus Nag
Autism Awareness Day is celebrated annually on April 2nd to raise awareness and promote acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) worldwide. ASD refers to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect communication, social interaction, and behavior. As per the latest report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 54 children in the world is diagnosed with ASD. Although ASD is more common among boys, it affects people of all genders, races, and ethnicities.
It is important to understand that individuals with ASD are neurodiverse, meaning that their brains are wired differently from the neurotypical population. It is not a disease or a mental health condition, and it cannot be cured.
Autism a prevalent disorder, despite its prevalence, many people are not aware of autism and the importance of neurodiversity. This lack of awareness can lead to misunderstandings, discrimination, and exclusion of individuals with autism. Therefore, it is crucial to create awareness of autism spectrum disorders and neurodiversity in society and neighborhoods.
In my today’s blog I will discuss some important points that we can mention our neighbors and the people in our society about ASD and how they can help. I will be sharing some significant tips
● To create awareness of autism spectrum disorders
● What to talk about during creating awareness programs
● Points to help others in approaching neurodiverse individuals.
Point 1● How to create awareness about Autism spectrum disorders?
1. Educate yourself about ASD:
The first step in promoting awareness and acceptance is to educate ourselves about ASD. Learn about the characteristics of ASD, how it affects individuals, and what support they might need. This will help us to be more empathetic towards neurodiverse individuals and understand their needs better.
2. Be understanding and patient:
Individuals with ASD may have difficulty communicating and interacting with others. They may also display repetitive behaviors or have sensory issues, language barrier and most importantly processing delay. It is important to be patient and understanding towards them. Give them time to process information, and do not judge them for their behavior.
3. Avoid stereotypes and stigmatization:
It is important to avoid stereotypes and stigmatization of individuals with ASD. They are not all the same, and their condition should not define them. Even handling of every autistic child is entirely different from the other. Let’s avoid using terms like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning,” as these can be stigmatizing and do not accurately reflect the complexity of ASD. Let’s not go by the book completely to understand ASD. Every Autistic child is not a genius or has a savant skill. Every child on spectrum does not have intellectual disability.
4. Be inclusive:
Inclusion is the key to promote neurodiversity. Neurodiverse individuals should be included in all aspects of society, including education, employment, and social activities. They have a lot to offer and can make valuable contributions to our communities. Make sure that all spaces are accessible and welcoming to individuals with ASD.
4. Support families:
Raising a child with ASD can be challenging, both emotionally and financially. Support families by offering to help with childcare, providing meals, or just being a listening ear. Advocate for policies that provide support and resources for families affected by ASD.
5. Raise and spread awareness through social media:
Spread awareness about ASD in your community. Participate in Autism Awareness Day events, share information on social media, and talk to your friends and family about the importance of acceptance and inclusion. Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to spread awareness of autism spectrum disorders and neurodiversity. Share informative articles, videos, and personal stories about autism on your social media platforms. Encourage others to share these posts to reach a wider audience.
6. Organize events and workshops:
Organize events and workshops in your community to educate people about autism and neurodiversity. Invite guest speakers who have experience in the field of autism to speak at these events. These events can help to break down the stigma surrounding autism and promote understanding and acceptance.
7. Create support groups:
Create support groups for families and individuals affected by autism. These groups can provide a safe space for people to share their experiences, seek support, and connect with others in similar situations.
8. Educate, sensitize schools and workplaces:
Schools and workplaces can play a significant role in promoting neurodiversity. Educate teachers and employers about autism and provide them with resources to support individuals with autism. Encourage schools and workplaces to create inclusive environments that embrace diversity.
Point 2 ●What should be spoken about during awareness programs or talks
Moving on to another significant point which is – pointers one should keep in mind while creating any awareness program for ASD individuals in their society or workplace.
1. Definition of Invisible Disabilities:
Invisible disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately noticeable, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of them. Individuals with ASD may appear neurotypical, but they experience significant challenges in social interaction, communication, processing of information, sensory sensitivities and behavior.
2. Challenges faced by individuals and children with ASD:
Individuals with ASD may face challenges in social interactions, including difficulty making eye contact, understanding social cues, and making friends. They may also have communication difficulties, such as difficulty with language, tone of voice, and body language. They may engage in repetitive behaviors, and they may have sensory sensitivities.
3. Understanding the uniqueness of individuals with ASD:
It is important to understand that every individual with ASD is unique, and the challenges they face can vary widely. Some individuals may be highly verbal and have exceptional talents, while others may have severe communication difficulties and require support in daily living.
4. Importance of early diagnosis and intervention:
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for individuals with ASD to achieve their full potential. Early intervention programs can help children with ASD develop social and communication skills, reduce behavioral challenges, and improve their overall quality of life.
5. Supporting individuals with ASD:
Supporting individuals with ASD involves creating an environment that is understanding, accepting, and accommodating. This includes providing support in school, at home, and in the community, such as therapy, assistive technology, and accommodations to sensory needs.
6. Addressing stigma and misconceptions:
Stigma and misconceptions about ASD can make it challenging for individuals with ASD to be accepted and included in society. It is essential to educate the public about ASD and challenge negative stereotypes to create a more accepting and inclusive society.
7. Importance of advocating for individuals with ASD:
Advocating for individuals with ASD involves raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and ensuring that their rights are protected. Advocacy can involve working with schools, employers, and government agencies to create policies that support individuals with ASD and their families.
Point 3● How should we Interact with Neurodivergents?
Now let’s move to another significant point which is interacting with neurodiverse individuals.
Interacting with neurodiverse individuals and children requires an understanding of their unique needs and communication styles. Its very important to note that we should be mindful in interacting with children or individuals with ASD. Being patient, respectful, and understanding are the key points. Remember that every person is unique and has their strengths and challenges.
Let’s discuss them in detail. Here are some points to keep in mind:
1. Be patient, Allow for processing time: Neurodiverse individuals may take longer to process information or respond to questions. Be patient and give them the time they need to express themselves.
2. Use clear communication: Use clear, concise language when communicating with neurodiverse individuals. Avoid using complex language, jargons or idioms that may be difficult to understand.
3. Be respectful: Treat neurodiverse individuals with respect and dignity. Avoid using labels or negative stereotypes.
4. Avoid sensory overload: Some neurodiverse individuals may have sensory sensitivities. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid overwhelming them with too much noise, light, or touch.
5. Avoid making assumptions: Every neurodiverse individual is different from other. Don’t make assumptions about their abilities or limitations based on their diagnosis. Everyone is unique and should be treated as an individual.
6. Respect their communication preferences: Neurodiverse individuals may have unique communication styles, such as using alternative communication methods like sign language or AAC devices. It is important to respect their preferred communication style and not force them to conform to conventional methods.
7. Avoid small talk and too many questions: Autistic children and individuals may have difficulties with social communication, including small talk and answering questions. To avoid overwhelming them or making them uncomfortable, it’s important to be mindful of how many questions you ask and how you approach small talk.
8.Give them space to initiate conversations: Allow them to approach you when they are ready to talk, rather than constantly asking them questions.
9. Use open-ended questions: Instead of asking yes/no questions, try asking open-ended questions that allow for more detailed answers.
10. Respect their boundaries: If an Autistic individual indicates that they don’t want to talk, respect their boundaries and give them space.
11. Focus on shared interests: Try to find common interests or topics that you can both talk about, rather than asking a lot of unrelated questions.
12. Use visual supports: Visual supports such as pictures or diagrams can be helpful for Autistic individuals to understand and communicate
Therefore, promoting awareness and acceptance of ASD is crucial for creating a more inclusive and understanding society. By educating ourselves, being patient and understanding, avoiding stereotypes, being inclusive, supporting families, and raising awareness, we can make a positive impact on the lives of neurodiverse individuals and their families. Remember, ASD is an invisible disability, but we can make it visible by promoting acceptance and inclusion.
So, here I am concluding my blog. Thus, creating awareness of autism spectrum disorders and neurodiversity is essential in promoting inclusion and understanding in society. But first by educating ourselves, people around us and our communities; respecting them and their challenges; standing up and advocating together. This is how we can create a more accepting and inclusive world for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
Hope my blog is able to help you understand about Autism spectrum disorders and creating awareness about the same in our society. If you enjoyed reading my blog then do like, share it and provide your valuable feedback. I will be happy to hear from you all.
Thank you
Author Shilpi Mayank Awasthi
Creative work is done by CreativeSaathi associate Morpheus Nag.
